Wild Sarsaparilla

Deciduous or evergreen trees, shrubs, lianas, and rhizomatous perennials make up this genus of about 40 species, distributed through S and E Asia, and N America. Aralia is a Latinized version of aralie, an old French-Canadian name for these plants. Several shrubby species are grown for their large, exotic-looking, compound leaves. Aralia racemosa is a handsome plant, suited to woodland conditions, as is the less ornamental A. nudicaulis. These N American aralias were adopted as medicinal herbs by settlers, who learned their uses from native tribes. The Ojibwa made poultices of A. racemosa and Asarum canadense (see wild ginger) for fractured limbs. The former was also used as a tea to ease childbirth and for menstrual irregularities. Various tribes took A. nudicaulis for coughs. Aralia spinosa (Hercules club) and A. hispida were also used as tonics and to increase perspiration. Aralia cordata (Japanese asparagus, or udo) has lemon-flavored new shoots that are blanched and eaten in salads and soups. In traditional Chinese medicine, A. chinensis (Chinese Angelica tree) is used as a warming, painkilling herb for rheumatoid arthritis.

Rhizamatous perennial, producing a single, pinnately divided leaf annually. Tiny, green-white flowers are borne in umbels in late spring and early summer, followed by purple-black berries.

Common Name:	Wild Sarsaparilla
Botanical Name:	Aralia nudicaulis
Genus:	Aralia
Family:	Araliaceae
Native Location:	Central and east N America.
Cultivation:	Rich, moist soil in partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by division in spring.
Harvest:	Rootstock is lifted in autumn and dried for use in liquid extracts, decoctions, infusions, powders, and poultices.
Height:	15-40cm (6-16in)
:Width	15-30cm (6-12in)
Hardiness:	Z3-7
Parts Used:	Roots
Properties:	A tonic, diuretic, cleansing herb that lowers fever.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for coughs and in blood-purifying tonics. Externally for boils, arthritis, and swellings. Important in homeopathy for cystitis.
Culinary Uses:	An ingredient of homemade root beer. Also used for tea.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 126